Greater Peoria’s nonprofit community is an extraordinary force for advancing the common good and making our region a better place to live, work and play. These special organizationsalso organize fantastic special events… with unique entertainment and fun for the whole family! Peoria Magazines is proud to spread the word about major community events and fundraisers through our online Community Impact Calendar.
September 15 – 17 Gathering of Veterans Powwow
Seven Circles Heritage Center – Edwards
This annual event honors all veterans, past and present, with a weekend filled with Native American singers, dancers, craft vendors and food. Located in rural Peoria County, Seven Circles is a community centered on Native American teachings and a spiritual gathering place for all people. On Friday, a ceremony will honor those veterans who are still waiting their return home; Saturday and Sunday bring two days of gourd dancing, intertribal and exhibition dancing, group drumming, games and children’s activities, and more. Meet volunteer Joe Hand and bald eagle Mikitcha from Wildlife Prairie Park, check out the spirit fire burning all weekend, and free primitive camping is available on-site. All drummers and dancers are welcome; veterans get in free all weekend.
October 7 – 8 Whiskeydaddle Races & Daddle Fest
ShaZam Racing, Peoria Riverfront – Peoria
The Peoria Marathon, newly renamed and reconfigured, is now a weekend-long festival encompassing both the Whiskeydaddle Races and the Daddle Fest. It’s a tribute to a bygone era when Peoria was the world’s “Whiskey Capital,” and (according to the event’s “completely not made-up origin story”), teams of “whiskeydaddlers” would move whiskey barrels from warehouse to warehouse and throughout the city. The Boston-qualifying marathon, half marathon, relay, kids' run and 5K all finish at the Daddle Fest: two days of live entertainment, food and drinks, and a variety of old-time games and contests for adults and children: barrel roll, beard dunking, beard contest and tug of war, to name a few. Not a runner? Simply enjoy the festivities… there’s something for everyone at this truly unique, nostalgia-evoking event.
October 15 Bark in the Park
Peoria Humane Society, Peoria Riverfront – Peoria
It’s the Peoria Humane Society's major fundraiser, and it's all about bringing animal lovers together, so bring your best canine friend down to the riverfront and enjoy a ton of fun activities. No dog? No problem! Get some lovin’ from other pooches in attendance, or adopt your own from one of the agencies on hand. Don’t miss the Great American Marvelous Mutt Show—a hilarious canine talent competition with categories like “waggiest tail,” “terrific pet trick,” “best doggie duds” and more. Volunteers will help your dog create a commemorative pawprint painting, and there will be souvenir photos, plenty of kids’ activities and much more. Most importantly: all proceeds will help provide lifesaving care for animals in need and promote adoption of shelter animals. a&s
Event information is correct to the best of our knowledge, but is subject to change. For our complete calendar of nonprofit fundraisers and major community events, visit peoriamagazines.com/calendar.
